Exciting Launch Ahead: Otter Pup 2 Set to Embark on Groundbreaking Docking Mission in June
Starfish is gearing up for an exhilarating moment in the realm of space exploration with the launch of its second Otter Pup demo mission next month. This mission marks a crucial milestone aimed at validating the startup’s revolutionary rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technology in orbit, setting the stage for three ambitious missions planned for 2026.
Mission Overview: The Journey of Otter Pup 2
Otter Pup 2 is expected to be launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 rideshare mission. In an ambitious attempt, the Otter Pup 2 spacecraft will target a docking maneuver with a D-Orbit ION satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the end of 2025. This mission builds on an unexpected partnership that blossomed during its predecessor’s outing—details that are as riveting as they are significant.
Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish, revealed to Payload: “The spacecraft that Otter Pup 2 will dock with was not designed for this. The interaction with the client is, ‘Where are you going to be? And we’ll get there.’” This mission serves as a precursor, unlocking an array of possibilities for future endeavors in space.
Lessons Learned from the First Mission
The story of Otter Pup’s inaugural mission is one filled with challenges and invaluable lessons. Launched in 2023 as part of Transporter-8, the first Otter Pup find itself spiraling out of control shortly after separation from the rocket onboard an OTV (Orbit Transfer Vehicle) from Launcher, originally intended as its docking partner. After a tense six weeks, Starfish engineers successfully halted the spinning, showcasing their resilience.
An anomaly with an Exotrail thruster thwarted any attempts at docking during the first mission. However, by April 2024, Otter Pup made a significant leap by getting within 1 km (0.6 miles) of the D-Orbit ION spacecraft, capturing stunning images in the process.
Innovative Enhancements: What’s New for Otter Pup 2
Otter Pup 2 will incorporate several strategic improvements compared to its predecessor:
- Direct Rocket Mounting: The spacecraft will be mounted directly to the rocket, allowing for a solo separation that eliminates reliance on an OTV—streamlining the entire process significantly.
- Advanced Electric Propulsion: This mission will debut electric propulsion thrusters developed by French startup ThrustMe, elevating operational capabilities to new heights.
Looking Forward: The Future of Otter Pup and Beyond
Bennett emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “Otter Pup is trying to demonstrate for ourselves that our algorithms—our paradigm that we believe at Starfish—is scalable.” This mission is not merely a test; it’s a statement of capability in an industry poised for growth, validating that infrastructure can be established, allowing businesses to rely on reliable operational frameworks.
Starfish has an exciting roadmap ahead, planning three missions with Otter Pup’s larger counterpart—dubbed Otter—next year. Key advancements include:
- A $37.5M contract awarded by SSC to develop an Otter tailored for critical national security missions. Learn more here!
- Collaboration with NASA for the SSPICY mission, aimed at inspecting space debris in LEO, valued at $15M. Explore the mission details!
- A partnership with Intelsat to utilize an Otter for extending the life of a satellite in GEO. Discover the collaboration!
As the countdown to the launch of Otter Pup 2 begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be a transformative leap in space exploration and technology. Starfish is not just pushing boundaries; they are redefining them. Keep an eye on this thrilling journey!
